Judy Smith Named Entrebizneur Of The Year

MMI Associates, Inc.
7406-H Chapel Hill Road
Raleigh, NC 27607
(919) 233-6600 • (919) 233-0300 (fax)
patty@mmimarketing.com

For Immediate Release Contact: Patty Briguglio (919) 233-6600

Judy Smith Named Entrebizneur Of The Year
President of Smith Seal Wins Recognition From Business Leader Magazine

RALEIGH, N.C. – Judy Smith, President of Smith Seal of North Carolina, has been selected Entrebizneur Of The Year by Business Leader magazine, a monthly publication dedicated to the growth of the businesses in the Research Triangle Region of North Carolina. Smith won the coveted recognition based on her ability to make her business thrive under adverse circumstances. For this award, Business Leader solicits nominations from the greater Triangle business community, looking for someone outstanding who has made a unique difference both in their business and their particular industry, and announces the winner in the January issue.

Smith’s outstanding business success has been affirmed in both 2004 and 2005, when Smith Seal of NC received the Pinnacle Business Award for Steady Growth and Profitability from the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce. Yet few people know the unusual circumstances behind Smith’s success. Born in Germany, Smith married an American and moved to the States, where she and her husband raised their family. The unexpected death of Smith’s husband in 1993 drastically changed Smith’s life. The day after her husband died, Smith says she came into the office because she didn’t want the employees to be afraid that the company was going to sink. She hadn’t known until that day that she would step in to take the helm as President of Smith Seal. A phone call helped her make up her mind. The caller said he had heard about the owner’s death and a distraught widow who was ready to sell the company. Judy told him the company was not for sale. When he asked whom he was speaking to, Judy said, “The distraught widow.”

Since that time, Smith has worked hard to thrive as a woman business owner in the male-dominated industry of engineering, where Smith Seal of NC is an industrial seal distributor. Under her guidance, the company has become a leader in the sealing industry, providing its customers with distinctive design assistance and winning awards and recognition for superior service.

“I am among excellent company with others who have been named Entrebizneur in past years,” said Smith. “Taking over as President of Smith Seal has taught me many lessons about the hard work and rewards of owning your own business. I owe so much of my success to my employees, and in their behalf I am delighted to be recognized by Business Leader magazine.”


About Smith Seal of NC:
Smith Seal of NC, a master-stocking distributor for Parker Hannifin Corporation and other world-class manufacturers was established in 1976. The firm offers hydraulic and pneumatic seals, O-rings, gaskets and packings, in addition to distribution, consultation, problem solving, product design, and more. In 2004 and 2005, Smith Seal of NC received the Pinnacle Business Award for Steady Growth and Profitability. For more information, please call 919-790-1000 or on the Internet at www.smithseal.com.

Patty Briguglio
MMI Associates, Inc.
919-233-6600
patty@mmimarketing.com

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